VIDEO: Springboks outline Nations Championship goal
For the Springboks, it’s all about playing in the Nations Championship Final at Twickenham on Sunday, November 29.
The Springboks host Wales on Saturday in the final round of the southern leg of the Nations Championship Series at Kings Park.
South Africa are currently top of the southern hemisphere standings after wins over England and Scotland, while New Zealand are second, also on 10 points, following victories over France and Italy.
In the northern hemisphere standings, Ireland lead the way, with France occupying second place.
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“We always look at the bigger picture,” Springbok assistant Mzwandile Stick said when asked about the Nations Championship ambition.
“This is something that is new, and it’s a new challenge for almost all of us.
“We’ve always had a July series when we play against the Northern Hemisphere teams, and then you always go to the end of the tour.
“But I think now the fact that it’s linked together gives us an even bigger challenge and a goal. So we are looking towards the bigger goal.
“We want to play in the Final game at the end of the tour at Twickenham.
“It is something that we normally talk about, but you know how we always operate – we always focus on one game at a time.
“And we’ve got a tough game on Saturday against Wales.”
Stick expects Wales to test the Springboks in several key areas, particularly at the breakdown, where loose forwards Aaron Wainwright, Jac Morgan and Alex Mann have built a reputation for their work rate and physicality.
“Breakdown-wise, I know they’re going to challenge us because they’re very strong. They’re very good at the breakdowns,” said Stick.
“They’ve got good players who are specialists in that area, especially if you look at their loose trio.
“And then also, when you look at their backline, there are a couple of guys who have been around. They understand how we operate at Test-match level.
“But I think one of the biggest things for me, even with the game they played last week [against Argentina], is that set-piece-wise, they are a well-organised team when it comes to the set-piece – not to put pressure on Daan Human and Deon Davids and their respective departments.
“But we know Wales. They take pride in how they operate with their set-pieces.”
Stick also deliver an update on captain Siya Kolisi and Canan Moodie.
However, he revealed that no late changes are expected to the match-day 23.
“Siya, with his hamstring, is starting to recover well and trained with the team for the first time.
“Canan Moodie was also training. I don’t think there will be any changes. Everyone is fine.”
